I was sitting in my living room, enjoying the peace and quiet of a house with all of the children in bed, when suddenly I heard these words in my head, "I thank my God upon ever remembrance of you." I began trying to think of any people in my life that I could say this about... then I went to look up the verse...
What an awesome way to start a letter! Paul goes on to say that he prays for the church in Phillipi with Joy. Wow - most of us pray for people with deep moaning, crying, and tears. In fact, when I think back to prayer request time, it is a solemn occasion. So much bad news. What will we do?
Paul, however, prayes with Joy! Why? Because he is confident that the One who has begun a good work will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. There is no sorrow. The work is continuing. God will accomplish His plans.
We all have a list of people that we pray for, whether it be a spouse, a child, another family member, a friend, a coworker, or someone we know of. Next time you pray for these people, think of all of the reasons why you are thankful for them. Now pray for them as if (and it is true) God is completing a work in their life.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you!
Paul found the secret of that joy in verses six and seven. First he was confident that God would finish the work in them He had started. And second, he had them in his heart which was demonstrated in his remembering them in every prayer.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing that with all of the places that Paul went and all of the people he visited, he remembered them in every prayer?
ReplyDelete